Gary Kubiak buys Houston Chronicle ad to thank team, fans, city

Former Houston Texans coach Gary Kubiak bought a full-page advertisement in the Sunday Houston Chronicle to deliver a message to Houston.

The ad appeared on Page C3 of the Sunday sports section.

Kubiak was fired on Friday, just three games shy of eight full seasons. Kubiak finished 61-64.

Kubiak is a Houston native, former Oilers ballboy and former St. Pius X and Texas A&M quarterback.

It’s a rarity, if it’s ever happened, when a fired coach buys an add to thank people. A truly classy move by Kubiak.

From the ad:

“Thank you, Houston. I want to thank the players, the coaches, and staff for their tireless work and commitment.

And especially to the fans, you are the best in the NFL.

It was an honor to return to my hometown to work my dream job. My family and I thank you for eight great years.”

– Gary and Rhonda Kubiak”

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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In his eight seasons as Texans head coach, Gary Kubiak compiled a 61-64 record.

In his eight seasons as Texans head coach, Gary Kubiak compiled a 61-64 record.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Gary Kubiak when he was quarterback of St. Pius in 1977.

Gary Kubiak when he was quarterback of St. Pius in 1977.

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Gary Kubiak made the Greater Houston magazine cover in 1978.

Gary Kubiak made the Greater Houston magazine cover in 1978.

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Gary Kubiak on the sidelines as Texas A&M's quarterback in 1981.

Gary Kubiak on the sidelines as Texas A&M's quarterback in 1981.

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Gary Kubiak runs with the ball during his days as a quarterback at A&M.

Gary Kubiak runs with the ball during his days as a quarterback at A&M.

Photo: File photo

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Gary Kubiak attempts a pass against UH.

Gary Kubiak attempts a pass against UH.

Photo: Houston Post file photo

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Gary Kubiak signing autographs for young Aggies fans in 1982.

Gary Kubiak signing autographs for young Aggies fans in 1982.

Photo: File photo

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Photo: Sharon Steinmann / Houston Chronicle

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Broncos kicker David Treadwell, left, celebrates with Kubiak after Treadwell's field goal beat the Oilers on Jan. 4, 1992, in a playoff game in Denver. Kubiak played nine years in the NFL, all with the Broncos.

Broncos kicker David Treadwell, left, celebrates with Kubiak after Treadwell's field goal beat the Oilers on Jan. 4, 1992, in a playoff game in Denver. Kubiak played nine years in the NFL, all with the Broncos.

Photo: Kerwin Plevka / Houston Chronicle

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Gary Kubiak watches the Broncos with coach Mike Shanahan, left, during practice Jan. 20, 2006, before the AFC Championship Game. Kubiak served as a Broncos assistant for 11 seasons.

Gary Kubiak watches the Broncos with coach Mike Shanahan, left, during practice Jan. 20, 2006, before the AFC Championship Game. Kubiak served as a Broncos assistant for 11 seasons.

Photo: Ed Andrieski / Associated Press

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Gary Kubiak is introduced as the second head coach in Texans history on Jan. 26, 2006. Team owner Bob McNair shakes Kubiak's hand during the introductory news conference.

Gary Kubiak is introduced as the second head coach in Texans history on Jan. 26, 2006. Team owner Bob McNair shakes Kubiak's hand during the introductory news conference.

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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From left to right: Bob and Janice McNair, and Rhonda and Gary Kubiak pose for photos after the introductory news conference.

From left to right: Bob and Janice McNair, and Rhonda and Gary Kubiak pose for photos after the introductory news conference.

Gary Kubiak, center, is splashed with water by DeMeco Ryans (out of photo), Mario Williams (90) and Anthony Weaver (92) after the Texans beat the Miami Dolphins 17-15 on Oct. 1, 2006 to give Kubiak his first win as Texans coach. less

Gary Kubiak, center, is splashed with water by DeMeco Ryans (out of photo), Mario Williams (90) and Anthony Weaver (92) after the Texans beat the Miami Dolphins 17-15 on Oct. 1, 2006 to give Kubiak his first ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Gary Kubiak walks off the field after the Texans defeated the Cleveland Browns 14-6 in the 2006 season finale. The Texans finished the season with a 6-10 record.

Gary Kubiak walks off the field after the Texans defeated the Cleveland Browns 14-6 in the 2006 season finale. The Texans finished the season with a 6-10 record.

Photo: Steve Campbell / Houston Chronicle

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From left to right: Gary Kubiak, owner Bob McNair, quarterback Matt Schaub and general manager Rick Smith pose a photo during the news conference announcing Schaub's new contract. The Texans acquired the quarterback in March 2007 trade with the Atlanta Falcons. less

From left to right: Gary Kubiak, owner Bob McNair, quarterback Matt Schaub and general manager Rick Smith pose a photo during the news conference announcing Schaub's new contract. The Texans acquired the ... more

Photo: Nathan Lindstrom / For the Chronicle

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Gary Kubiak, right, looks on as boxing legend Evander Holyfield speaks to the Texans during OTAs in May 2007.

Gary Kubiak, right, looks on as boxing legend Evander Holyfield speaks to the Texans during OTAs in May 2007.

Photo: James Nielsen / Houston Chronicle

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Gary Kubiak talks with then Texas A&M head football coach Dennis Franchione during training camp in 2007.

Gary Kubiak talks with then Texas A&M head football coach Dennis Franchione during training camp in 2007.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Gary Kubiak, left, talks with former Oilers head coach Bum Phillips before practice during training camp in 2007.

Gary Kubiak, left, talks with former Oilers head coach Bum Phillips before practice during training camp in 2007.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Gary Kubiak gives instructions to Matt Schaub during a 26-16 loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Sept. 30, 2007. Schaub threw nine touchdown passes and nine interceptions in 11 starts during his first season with the Texans. less

Gary Kubiak gives instructions to Matt Schaub during a 26-16 loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Sept. 30, 2007. Schaub threw nine touchdown passes and nine interceptions in 11 starts during his first season with ... more

Photo: Billy Smith II / Houston Chronicle

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Gary Kubiak talks with Saints running back Reggie Bush after a Texans' 23-10 win on Nov. 18, 2007. The Texans passed on Bush in the 2006 draft. Instead, they chose Mario Williams with the No. 1 overall pick.

Gary Kubiak talks with Saints running back Reggie Bush after a Texans' 23-10 win on Nov. 18, 2007. The Texans passed on Bush in the 2006 draft. Instead, they chose Mario Williams with the No. 1 overall pick.

Photo: Nick de la Torre / Houston Chronicle

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The Texans posted an 8-8 record during the 2007 season.

The Texans posted an 8-8 record during the 2007 season.

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Gary Kubiak argues a spot call with referee Terry McAulay, left, during the first quarter of the Texans' 38-17 2008 season-opening loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Gary Kubiak argues a spot call with referee Terry McAulay, left, during the first quarter of the Texans' 38-17 2008 season-opening loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Texans running back Chris Brown throws the infamous "halfback pass" which was intercepted in the fourth quarter of the Texans' 23-18 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Dec. 6, 2009. The play call was one of the most scrutinized decision's of Kubiak's tenure with the Texans. less

Texans running back Chris Brown throws the infamous "halfback pass" which was intercepted in the fourth quarter of the Texans' 23-18 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Dec. 6, 2009. The play call was one of ... more

Photo: Stephen Morton / Associated Press

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The Texans won the final four games of their 2009 season to finish 9-7, the first winning campaign in franchise history.

The Texans won the final four games of their 2009 season to finish 9-7, the first winning campaign in franchise history.

Gary Kubiak and Jacoby Jones walk on the sidelines during the Texans' 34-28 OT loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Dec. 13, 2010.

Gary Kubiak and Jacoby Jones walk on the sidelines during the Texans' 34-28 OT loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Dec. 13, 2010.

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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Gary Kubiak walks onto the field before the Texans' 24-23 loss to the Tim Tebow-led Denver Broncos on Dec. 26, 2010.

Gary Kubiak walks onto the field before the Texans' 24-23 loss to the Tim Tebow-led Denver Broncos on Dec. 26, 2010.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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Texans fan Kris Mitchell dons a paper bag outside Reliant Stadium before the 2010 season finale. Mitchell was one of three "protesters" outside the stadium calling for Texans head coach Gary Kubiak to be fired.

Texans fan Kris Mitchell dons a paper bag outside Reliant Stadium before the 2010 season finale. Mitchell was one of three "protesters" outside the stadium calling for Texans head coach Gary Kubiak to be fired.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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The Texans finished the season with a disappointing 6-10 record.

The Texans finished the season with a disappointing 6-10 record.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Gary Kubiak addresses the media during a news conference on Jan. 3, 2011. The team announced Kubiak would remain as the head coach.

Gary Kubiak addresses the media during a news conference on Jan. 3, 2011. The team announced Kubiak would remain as the head coach.

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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In July 2011, Gary Kubiak (center) took in a USO Tour to the Middle East. Other coaches made the trip as well, including Jim Mora, Jim Mora Jr. and Ken Whisenhunt.

In July 2011, Gary Kubiak (center) took in a USO Tour to the Middle East. Other coaches made the trip as well, including Jim Mora, Jim Mora Jr. and Ken Whisenhunt.

Photo: Steve Manuel / USO

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Gary Kubiak began the 2011 season with all eyes trained on him and his job.

Gary Kubiak began the 2011 season with all eyes trained on him and his job.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Gary Kubiak hired Wade Phillips to replace Frank Bush as the team's defensive coordinator. Phillips helped turned the defense into one of the league's best units.

Gary Kubiak hired Wade Phillips to replace Frank Bush as the team's defensive coordinator. Phillips helped turned the defense into one of the league's best units.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Gary Kubiak receives a Gatorade bath after the Texans rallied to score in the final minute to beat the Cincinnati Bengals 20-19 on Dec. 11, 2011. With the victory, the Texans clinched their first postseason berth and first AFC South division title in franchise history. less

Gary Kubiak receives a Gatorade bath after the Texans rallied to score in the final minute to beat the Cincinnati Bengals 20-19 on Dec. 11, 2011. With the victory, the Texans clinched their first postseason ... more

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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Gary Kubiak holds up a ball while talking to his players and coaches in the locker room after the win over the Bengals.

Gary Kubiak holds up a ball while talking to his players and coaches in the locker room after the win over the Bengals.

Photo: Bill Baptist / Houston Texans

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Gary Kubiak calls a play during the fourth quarter of the Texans' 31-10 AFC wildcard playoff win over the Cincinnati Bengals at Reliant Stadium on Jan. 7, 2012. The win was the franchise's first playoff victory. less

Gary Kubiak calls a play during the fourth quarter of the Texans' 31-10 AFC wildcard playoff win over the Cincinnati Bengals at Reliant Stadium on Jan. 7, 2012. The win was the franchise's first playoff ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Gary Kubiak talks with quarterback T.J. Yates during the Texans' 20-13 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Divisional playoff round on Jan. 15, 2012.

Gary Kubiak talks with quarterback T.J. Yates during the Texans' 20-13 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Divisional playoff round on Jan. 15, 2012.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Gary Kubiak went with the buzz cut look for the start of training camp in 2012.

Gary Kubiak went with the buzz cut look for the start of training camp in 2012.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Connor Barwin liked it so much that he got the "Kubiak cut" too.

Connor Barwin liked it so much that he got the "Kubiak cut" too.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Former Texan Mario Williams greets Gary Kubiak after the Texans defeated the Buffalo Bills 21-9 on Nov. 4, 2012. 2012 was the best season in franchise history as they posted a 12-4 record, won the AFC South for a second straight year and reached the divisional round of the playoffs. less

Former Texan Mario Williams greets Gary Kubiak after the Texans defeated the Buffalo Bills 21-9 on Nov. 4, 2012. 2012 was the best season in franchise history as they posted a 12-4 record, won the AFC South ... more

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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For the second straight season, the Texans were bounced from the playoffs in the divisional round, this time by Tom Brady and the New England Patriots.

For the second straight season, the Texans were bounced from the playoffs in the divisional round, this time by Tom Brady and the New England Patriots.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Gary Kubiak collapsed on the field and suffered a mini-stroke during halftime of the Texans' 27-24 loss to the Indianapolis Colts on Nov. 3, 2013.

Gary Kubiak collapsed on the field and suffered a mini-stroke during halftime of the Texans' 27-24 loss to the Indianapolis Colts on Nov. 3, 2013.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Wade Phillips served as the Texans interim head coach in place of Gary Kubiak for the Texans' 27-24 loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Nov. 10, 2013.

Wade Phillips served as the Texans interim head coach in place of Gary Kubiak for the Texans' 27-24 loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Nov. 10, 2013.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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Gary Kubiak coached from the press box in a pair of Texans' home losses to the Oakland Raiders and Jacksonville Jaguars.

Gary Kubiak coached from the press box in a pair of Texans' home losses to the Oakland Raiders and Jacksonville Jaguars.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Gary Kubiak returned to the sidelines for the Texans' 34-31 loss to the New England Patriots on Dec. 1, 2013.

Gary Kubiak returned to the sidelines for the Texans' 34-31 loss to the New England Patriots on Dec. 1, 2013.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Gary Kubiak kneels on the sidelines during the second half of the Texans' 27-20 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Dec. 5, 2013. The loss was the team's 11 straight. Kubiak was relieved of his duties the following day ending his eight-year run as Texans' head coach. less

Gary Kubiak kneels on the sidelines during the second half of the Texans' 27-20 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Dec. 5, 2013. The loss was the team's 11 straight. Kubiak was relieved of his duties the ... more

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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Fifty-two days after being fired as head coach of the Texans, the Baltimore Ravens announced the hiring of Kubiak as offensive coordinator. Kubiak's friend Rick Dennison was also hired as Baltimore's quarterbacks coach. less

Fifty-two days after being fired as head coach of the Texans, the Baltimore Ravens announced the hiring of Kubiak as offensive coordinator. Kubiak's friend Rick Dennison was also hired as Baltimore's ... more